Coffee with a Cause

Ebenezers Coffeehouse

201 F St NE

Washington, DC 20002

202.558.6900

There are certain characteristics I have come to expect in a typical cozy coffee shop: a catchy music playlist, comfy chairs, and a friendly staff are just a few. But Ebenezers Coffeehouse across from Union Station doesn’t just check the boxes. Instead, it managed to exceed my expectations with books and board games open for borrow, a diverse customer base, and a unique story.

Ebenezers is first and foremost a community coffee shop. Owned and operated by the National Community Church, all profits go toward a variety of outreach projects. After all, it doesn’t call itself “Coffee with a Cause” for nothing. Ebenezers’ current community outreach project focuses on ending homelessness, and in the process aims to provide a living room-like space for its customers, one that feels like a home.

Even its fair trade roaster, One Village Coffee, was founded on the concept of community. After visiting Africa and Honduras, One Village Coffee’s founders were inspired by the power of a village-a group of people working to better themselves and the world around them. “Coffee, which is deeply tied to the earth and has amazing powers to connect people, quickly became a way for us to create our own village,” They said.

Ain’t that the truth.

Ebenezers doesn’t just serve One Village Coffee, it also sells One Village Coffee grounds. This way, its customers can feel good about themselves and stay caffeinated at the same time.

If you venture down to the lower level of Ebenezers, you will find additional seating by day and a hip venue that hosts live music and theater events at night. And I thought this place couldn’t get any cooler.

The lattes and cappuccinos at Ebenezers are served in generously sized white mugs and taste like the satisfaction that can only come from a warm beverage on a cold day. So whether you are catching up with an old friend, studying for an exam, or reading a great book, Ebenezers is a place you want to spend your day. I know I do.